Year: at the third session of the first CPPCC National Committee held in 1951

Proposal No: 0040

Proposers: CPPCC National Committee members Xu Deheng, Zhao Puchu, Zhang Dongsun and Wu Yaozong

Content: 

For most of us austerity is mainly concerned with balance sheets and physical things. But time in fact is another parameter that should also be taken into account as it directly affects how much wealth we create and how many things we do.    

1. Keep meetings short. Stick to the schedule and speak straight to the point. 

2. Cut office hours. If we determine our working hours in accordance with the actual amount of work that needs to be done and do not work for work's sake, it is possible to shorten office hours. 

3. Reduce time spent on work-related social activities. Some people are so overwhelmed with meetings that they hardly have time to finish their daily work. We suggest that local authorities introduce supportive policies for those with work-related commitments to help them save time and energy. 

(1) We propose that government departments and mass organizations across the country conduct relevant research and work out effective solutions. 

(2) Start meetings on time, regardless of how many people have turned up. Meeting hosts are responsible for keeping the meeting on track. 

(3) Study the skills involved in speaking effectively at meetings and make the research results publicly available.